Diaz captures expert plum in drag racing

ANGELES CITY - Lennel Diaz of Mohspeed showed the way as he captured the Expert crown recently at the resumption of the 2011 Petron Northern Series-National Drag Racing Championships kickoff at the Clark International Speedway here.

Another record field of 200 drivers competed in the event but Diaz stood tall against the favorites to rule the event sponsored by Petron, supported by Yokohama Philippines, Chequered Flag, Racing Beat@Wave 89.1 FM and Aeromed and sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines.

Diaz turned back reigning Expert champion Jonathan Young of JCT-Blanche Racing, Alvin Gavino of H3 Autoworx and Ater Uy in the early goings to claim the first finals slot.

Michael Nieves, a relatively new face in the drag racing scene, emerged the unpredictable title rival for Diaz after ousting regular competitor Ronald Nierras of Cabspeed, top contender Carlo Manuel of Gulf-Speed and former champion Sherwin Esguerra on his way up the ladder.

He was close to completing a big upset but a breakout spoiled it all as Diaz romped to victory in 13.717 seconds. Nieves took the runner-up honors while Esguerra ended third.

Sharing the spotlight with Diaz are Richard Reyes of Kap Shop and Choc Castro.

Reyes bagged the Sportsman class title via a double break-out triumph over Rommel Dural with a time of 14.916 seconds with Jannery Millet winding up third.

Castro likewise clinched the Hotstreet plum as he prevailed over runner-up Rainier Bondoc and third placer Jefferson Barrera of H3 Autoworx.

Today, drag racing drivers test their skills and strategy as action shifts to the Batangas Racing Circuit Drag Strip for the kickoff of the 2011 National Drag Racing Southern Series.

Qualifying rounds are set 7 a.m. before the competition starts at 9 a.m.

Information: Batangas Racing Circuit Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 817-2241, 729-5365 or fax 844-7766.